Sir Thomas Smith can justly claim to be one of Saffron Walden’s most distinguished sons. Smith’s curriculum vitae speaks for itself. He was the first Regius Professor of Civil Law at Cambridge, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, Provost of Eton, Principal Secretary of State to Edward VI and Elizabeth I, a Member of Parliament under the last three Tudor monarchs, several times ambassador to France and the Low Countries, a Privy Councillor, Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, and not least the builder of Hill Hall, one of England’s first great classical or Paladian mansions. He was also the author of two of the most eminent writings of Tudor times, The Discourse of the Commonweal, 1549; and De Republica Anglorum, 1562-1565, an authoritative account of the English constitution and legal system. Smith was one of the great letter writers of his age, and nearly 700 of his letters survive. This book examines the character and background of Smith, and the achievements and failures of a self-made man who in a time of unprecedented religious and political ferment rose from obscurity to achieve riches and power. Despite leaving Saffron Walden for Cambridge as a young boy, Smith did not forget his native town, playing a part in obtaining the new charter of the town in 1549, re-founding the Almshouses and obtaining a new charter for the grammar school. This book marks the 500th anniversary of his birth.

Latest Journal

Saffron Walden Historical Journal No 37 Spring 2019

Available now!

Details here.
The latest issue of the Saffron Walden Historical Society (No 37, Spring 2019) features articles on:
History of Policing in Saffron Walden
Church Street Stroll with Bruce Munro
South Road and the Munk Family
The Pettit family history
Clavering Poisoner BBC programme review
Littlebury Bridge history
When Gracie Fields came to Walden
History News & other items

On sale for £3 from Tourist Information, Harts Bookshop and Waitrose in Saffron Walden. For enquiries about postal copies please email saffronwaldenhistory@gmail.com

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The next lecture will be on

Wed 25 September 2019: Life in 18th century Saffron Walden (Part 2) – Hilary Walker – 7.45 pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, High Street, Saffron Walden – All welcome. Members can join at this meeting for just £7 a year which entitles you to free entry to seven lectures.

At this meeting the Saffron Walden Historical Journal (No. 37) will be on sale (price £3). The Journal can also be purchased at the Tourist Information, Waitrose, Harts Bookshop and Saffron Walden Museum.